LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The future of the Twin Shields Golf Course in Dunkirk appears in doubt. It may close and be replaced by a 51-home subdivision.
The owners have already submitted a subdivision application. It is expected to be presented to the Calvert County Planning Commission by this autumn providing the initial official steps to close what has been a recreation institution for nearly 40 years.
Still to be resolved are issues such as environmental data. Additionally, the owners may need to purchase about 200 Transferable Development Rights (TDR) necessary to the county requirement of 5 TDRs for each additional lot totaling about $1.6 Million.
As property owners, Karen and Diane Shields are well within their rights to make this business decision. The affect upon the community besides the obvious loss of a business, jobs and increase number of housing is not yet fully described.
Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association (DACCA) has previously advised developers of the critical need to quickly inform next door neighbors who would be most affected as a needed remedy to misperceptions. In 2007, Twin Shields sent a letter to their membership advising them of work during the spring 2007, unrelated to the maintenance of the golf course.
In part, the owners described their land as having more value when utilized for real estate development than as a golf course.
During this past year, significant planning was underway which has now matured to where engagement with the county planning staff has begun.
When will the closing occur and housing construction begun? Due to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) which guides subdivision development in concert with the capacity of the local schools to handle the population increase, it could take up to 7 years or more.
In the meantime, Twin Shields has every intention to continue as a golf course. This course was built by Karen and Diane’s father and his twin brother, hence the name Twin Shields.
Evan Slaughenhoupt
www.daccamd.com
President, DACCA
Dunkirk, Maryland